Once-in-a-lifetime dream holidays for local pair

Two South Yorkshire children, living with life-limiting conditions, have been treated to dream holidays at Disney World, in Florida this Christmas.

Caelan Fisher, of Barnsley, and Chloe Bird, of Rotherham, both visited ‘the happiest place on earth’ this month, thanks to fundraising support from Caudwell Children - the national charity that provides practical and emotional support to disabled children and their families.

Nik Brear

Four-year-old Caelan, who has vocal cord palsy and sleep apnoea, was accompanied by his parents, Claire and Keith, and older sisters Chelsea and Casey; while Chloe, who has Dravet Syndrome, took her parents, Julie Ann and Daz, on the once-in-a-lifetime trip.

The families visited Animal Kingdom, Magic Kingdom, Hollywood Studios, Universal Studios and Seaworld as part of the ‘Destination Dreams’ holiday package, which was launched by Caudwell Children in 2007, to give 25 children every year, who are living with life-limiting conditions, the opportunity to experience a fully supported dream holiday.

Trudi Beswick, Chief Executive of Caudwell Children, said: “For many families caring for children with terminal or life-threatening conditions, the thought of leaving the protected environment of their home town, and their regular medical support, fills them with dread.

“By providing 24 hour professional medical provision and a team of volunteers, for the duration of the trip, Destination Dreams gives families the chance to create happy holiday memories together, often for the first time!”

And Trudy appealed to the public to dig deep and think of the charity this festive period, to enable them to keep making a difference to local children’s lives, adding: “I would ask the local community to support us so that we can take more children, like Caelan and Chloe, on the trip next year.

“If you are the parents of a children with a life limiting condition and you’ve always wanted to take your child on that ‘Dream’ holiday, but not had the confidence or the financial means to do so, then I would urge you to visit our website and get your application in by January 29 to take part in Destination Dreams 2016.”